Getting a tattoo could help make a lasting impression on an autistic child.

The Shop, a Fowlerville tattoo parlor, is donating profits from select tattoos this month to the Boxing Autism Club of Livingston County, a nonprofit that supports autistic children and their families.

The Ink4Autism fundraiser runs through April 30. Each of the tattoo artists at The Shop has come up with several designs for the fundraiser.

Money raised will go toward the Boxing Autism Club's Buddy Benches program. Some of the funds raised by Ink4Autism may also be used for child care during the club's support group meetings, said Jodi Limbers, a member of the club's board.

"It's a super-cool way to help," said Limbers, whose husband, Matt, is one of the artists at The Shop.

According to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, one in 68 children is affected by autism spectrum disorder.

"When Jodi asked me if I'd be interested in having The Shop do a fundraiser, there was no doubt," said Dawn Papple, who owns the tattoo parlor with her husband, Darl. "We all know somebody affected by autism."

The Boxing Autism Club's Buddy Benches program installs benches at school playgrounds where autistic children who have trouble communicating can meet and play with other kids.

"It is an unbelievably amazing thing," Papple said. "Recess is a huge thing for autistic kids, and if they have kids that they can play with, it makes their whole day easier and makes learning easier."

Papple said the artists at The Shop created a wide variety of designs meant to signify what autism means to them. The tattoos start at around $40 and can be viewed on the Facebook pages of the Boxing Autism Club of Livingston County and The Shop.

To make an appointment for a tattoo, call The Shop at 517-223-7998. The Shop is at 141 S. Grand Ave. in Fowlerville.

Contact Livingston Daily business reporter Mike Lammi at 517-552-2854 or at mlammi@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikeLammi.